Tote Goat Brings Mobility to the Farm

Scooter-type trail machines such as the Tote Goat filled a need in rural America in a fun way.

Even the farmer I worked for was enthusiastic about the trail cycle. He is shown here trying it out for the first time in an early fall snowstorm.

Photo courtesy Clell G. Ballard

The author, proudly posing with his "new" Cushman Trailster. It was large enough that a second person could ride on the back.

Photo courtesy Clell G. Ballard

In the five decades since small scooter-type trail machines ceased being popular, this is the only one I have ever run across. "Blazer" is embossed in the side panel. Apparently built near the end of the fad, it has a 2-speed transmission.

Photo courtesy Clell G. Ballard

When they were popular, trail cycles weren't just playthings. Serious individuals who frequented mountainous areas incorporated them into their off-road travels. Forest Service crews found them useful in maintaining trails, and fire crews used them to access remote areas and carry equipment.

Farm Collector archives

These adds show the variety of trail cycles available in the 1960s, when dozens of small manufacturers produced similar scooter-type vehicles.

Farm Collector archives

These adds show the variety of trail cycles available in the 1960s, when dozens of small manufacturers produced similar scooter-type vehicles.

Farm Collector archives

These adds show the variety of trail cycles available in the 1960s, when dozens of small manufacturers produced similar scooter-type vehicles.